Mixing Syringe with Movable Disc for Particle Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical syringes used in embolization procedures face challenges in maintaining uniform dispersion of particles in the saline solution due to settling or floating, which can lead to uneven concentrations during injection, and they are often not designed for re-use or efficient mixing of pre-mixed solutions.
Innovation Solution
A mixing syringe with a movable mixing disc that creates a high-velocity jet of liquid to stir the solution, using a pressure drop to induce fluid flow and maintain particle dispersion, allowing for re-use and efficient mixing of customized embolization mixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If particles are mixed into saline solution for embolization, then the blocking particles can be injected into blood vessels, but the particles settle or float quickly causing uneven concentration during injection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vortex generator that creates rotational fluid flow (vortex) within the syringe barrel when the plunger is advanced. This mechanical motion continuously agitates the particle-saline mixture, preventing particles from settling or floating and maintaining uniform concentration throughout the injection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid dynamics principles by designing a vortex generator that induces rotational flow patterns in the liquid mixture. The hydraulic action of the plunger forcing fluid through a restricted opening creates a vortex that continuously mixes particles, leveraging fluid mechanics to maintain suspension without external power sources.
2Reliability
If a mixing device is added to maintain particle dispersion, then uniform concentration is achieved, but the syringe design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the vortex generator directly into the plunger assembly, combining the mixing function with the existing injection mechanism. The vortex generator is positioned within the barrel and activated by the same plunger motion used for injection, merging two functions (mixing and injection) into a single integrated system without adding separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex generator is passively activated by the natural plunger motion during injection. The fluid pressure and flow generated by the user's injection action automatically create the vortex effect, eliminating the need for external power sources, motors, or complex control mechanisms. The system uses the injection process itself to power the mixing function.
3Reliability
If a mixing syringe is designed to generate strong mixing action, then particles remain dispersed, but the syringe requires significant modification from standard design
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex generator is designed as a compact component nested within the syringe barrel, with the mixing element positioned concentrically around the plunger rod. This nested arrangement allows the mixing function to be integrated into the existing syringe geometry without requiring complete redesign of the syringe structure, facilitating easier manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex generator introduces localized flow disturbance and mixing action specifically at the region where particles are most likely to settle (near the bottom of the barrel and along the flow path). Rather than requiring uniform mixing throughout the entire syringe volume, the design targets critical zones with enhanced mixing, reducing overall structural complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing mixing syringes are designed to mix two materials in separate compartments, then mixing is achieved, but they cannot stir pre-mixed solutions and are not reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex generator design provides universal mixing capability that works with any particle-saline-contrast agent mixture, regardless of whether the components were pre-mixed or added separately. The rotational flow pattern effectively agitates any suspension, making the syringe adaptable to different preparation methods and reusable across multiple injection procedures without requiring redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex generator maintains continuous mixing action throughout the entire injection process, from the moment the plunger is advanced until the mixture is fully delivered. This continuous agitation ensures particles remain suspended throughout the procedure, allowing the syringe to be refilled and reused multiple times during a single embolization procedure without loss of mixing effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The syringe effectively keeps particles uniformly dispersed during injection, enabling precise delivery of embolization agents and allowing for multiple uses without the need for complex modifications to standard syringe designs.
Implementation Method 1
using a pressure drop to induce fluid flow and maintain particle dispersion
Implementation Method 2
creates a high-velocity jet of liquid to stir the solution
Implementation Method 3
coupled to, or in communication with, a porous matrix
Data Source
AI summary
A movable mixing disc may be utilized in connection with a syringe. The mixing disc may comprise a hole which may be covered by a fine screen or coupled to a porous member, allowing only certain elements of a solution to pass through the mixing disc. Actuation of a plunger of the syringe may cause liquid to emerge from the mixing disc hole as a high velocity jet or other turbulent flow, stirring up any settled particles on a distal side of the mixing disc. As the ejection continues, the mixing disc may be pushed forward by the plunger in order to eliminate any unused volume. Also, the mixing disc may be moved forward by virtue of a pressure difference created by a pressure drop across the mixing disc, such as a pressure drop created as the plunger is displaced to induce fluid flow across the mixing disc.